Council’s climate change challenge

Rochdale council was last night urged to lead the way on climate change by Environment Secretary Ed Miliband.

Unveiling a £10 million project at Labour’s annual conference, the cabinet minister called on pioneering local authorities to take part in the low carbon communities challenge.

Up to 20 councils will share the money to fund green schemes such as building biomass plants, fitting out homes to make them more energy efficient and installing electric car charges points across towns.

Mr Miliband said: “We are searching for communities across the country to kick start the low-carbon revolution.

“The challenge is an opportunity for communities to lead the way so that everyone can play their part in tackling climate change and save money on fuel bills.

“The UK has the most ambitious emissions reduction commitments in the world and projects like this will develop the policies we need to be successful.

“With just over two months to go until the crucial climate talks at Copenhagen, the UK is well placed to show it is taking action in all areas to combat climate change.”

Councils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, can bid for the cash but must prove they are already making changes to become greener.

Those successful will be used as blueprints for the rest of the UK.

Around a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating, lighting and electrical appliances but that will need to be cut to zero if emissions targets are to be met by 2050.